Backpacker Day Trips from Perth Western Australia

Things to do in Perth, Book Here

Perth, Australia, has everything you need for a fantastic vacation. 3000 hours of sunshine each year, friendly inhabitants, historical landmarks, and pleasant alfresco eating with world-class food and wine. The city is also surrounded by a number of urban villages, including Subiaco, Leederville, and Mt Lawley, each with a distinct inner-city vibe.

Day Trips from Perth

After experiencing Perth, consider a day trip to the ancient port town of Fremantle, the turquoise beaches of Rottnest Island, or the lush valleys of the Swan Valley and Perth Hills, all of which are within 45 minutes of the central business area. Listed below are some of the best day trips from Perth Western Australia.

1. Point Peron, Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Rockingham

Spend a memorable day in the colourful snorkelling paradise, Point Peron, which lies just 45-minutes-drive south of Perth.  It is home to a plethora of sea life such as sea-lions, dolphins, tropical fish, sea urchins, anemones, spider-crabs and sea-sponges.  The Point and nearby Mushroom Rock are ideal snorkelling sites.  The rock pools are suitable for beginners and kids.

For more information, please visit; parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/shoalwater-islands

∙ Special features:

Small caves that are no deeper than 5 metres and close to the shore ensure your safety.  The surrounding limestone, carved into overhangs, plays host to the abundant and colourful undersea creatures.  

2. Collie

Enjoy a day trip to the town of Collie, a beautiful town situated on the Kwinana Freeway, 2 ½-hour drive away from Perth.   Collie is renowned for its rich coal mining history and opportunities for outdoor adventures.  Spend your time camping, cycling, walking and engaging in water sports in the many beautiful inland lakes.  

For more information, please visit; www.westernaustralia.com/en/Destination/Collie/

∙ Special features:

Check out the following areas for various recreational activities;

• Stockton Lake and Potters Gorge – water skiing
• Minninup Pool and Honeymoon Pool – picnicking or paddling
• Bibbulmun Track and Munda Biddi Trail – mountain biking, bushwalking and admiring the wildflowers in spring
• Black Diamond Pool and Wellington National Park – places recommended for visiting

3. Perth to Busselton Jetty day-tour

Take the day tour from Perth to Busselton, the town twice crowned as Western Australia’s Top Tourism Town.  It is known for its sheltered beach and seasonal humpback whales.  Most importantly, it features the 1.8 km long Busselton Jetty.  Further, enjoy sampling some of the famous wines and other delicacies such as chocolate, cheese and nuts of the Margaret River region.

∙ Special features:

a. Busselton Jetty

Crowned as the Top Major Tourist Attraction in 2018, the Busselton Jetty is the centre of attraction at Busselton.  Firstly, stroll along the world’s longest wooden pier.  Also, enjoy the glimpses of dolphins frolicking as you walk along the jetty.  During September to early December, you might spot migrating whales resting and nursing their young too.

For more information, please visit; www.westernaustralia.com/us/Attraction/Busselton_Jetty/

b. Jetty Train

Alternatively, take the 50-seater solar-powered electric jetty train.  Sit back and relax on your 1.7 km journey across the calm, clear waters of Geographe Bay.  

For more information, please visit; www.busseltonjetty.com.au/jetty-train

c. Underwater Observatory

Most importantly, explore the natural wonders that lie beneath the greatest artificial reef in Australia, through the underwater observatory.  Descend 8-metres below the ocean’s surface to marvel at the colourful tropical and sub-tropical corals, sponges, fish and invertebrates.  You can also observe more than 300 species of marine life in their natural habitat.

For more information, please visit; www.busseltonjetty.com.au/underwater-observatory

d. Seasonal Activities

Catch up with the following seasonal activities of the Busselton Jetty when you visit during the specific seasons;

• Mermaid tours
• Dive, snorkel and undersea-walk
• Jetboat adventures
• Canoe tours
• Creative art classes

For more information, please visit; www.busseltonjetty.com.au/seasonal-activities

4. Rottnest Island Day-tour from Perth 

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city on this day trip to the favourite local getaway destination of Rottnest Island.  Rottnest Island is home to resident quokkas, which are small marsupials.  It is also known for its secluded beautiful beaches.  Spend the day cruising along the Swan River, sightseeing, exploring, spotting marine life and learning all about the idyllic Rottnest Island

∙ Special Features:

a. Ferry ride on the Swan River

Firstly, enjoy the high-speed ferry-ride on the Swan River, admiring the past local landmarks and the Millionaire’s Row of Perth.  The ride takes you firstly to Fremantle where the river meets the Indian Ocean and then across the water to Rottnest Island.  

b. Sightseeing coach tour

Secondly, go on the sightseeing tour which covers the following;

• Wadjemup Lighthouse 
• West End
• Cathedral Rocks
• Thompson Bay

Stroll down the boardwalk and marvel at the stunning views of the coastline at the lighthouse.  Meet the fur seals at Cathedral Rocks.  Also, look out for the humpback whales which are spotted from September to November.  Finally, explore the beautiful island on your own until it’s time to get back.  Here are suggestions for you to engage while you are on the island; 

• Explore some of the beautiful 63 beaches and 20 bays
• Rent a bike and go on a coastal ride
• Go snorkelling
• Go stand-up paddle-boarding
• Visit Lomas Cottage
• Visit Rottnest Island Museum
• Visit the Pilot Boat-house
• Visit Rottnest Island Visitor Centre
• Have a delicious lunch at Karma Rottnest

5. Swan Valley Gourmet Wine Cruise from Perth

Spend a relaxing day on the beautiful waterways of Perth in this day-cruise.  Spoil yourself with tastings of great wine from the Swan Valley wine region, cheeses, morning and afternoon tea and a delicious 2-course lunch.  Perth is the only capital city in all of Australia from where you can visit and award-winning wine region and return on the same day.

∙ Special features:

a. Scenic Cruise on the Swan River

Begin your journey at central Perth, as you set off on the Swan River for the scenic cruise.  Enjoy your morning and afternoon teas, mouth-watering desserts and wine onboard.  Admire the stunning landmark views of the city, its suburbs and the riverfront scenery outside of the city.  

b. Wine tasting onboard

Secondly, indulge in a tasting of the premium ‘wines of the month’ from regional vineyards, accompanied by a tantalizing cheeseboard.  

c. Sandalford Estate winery tour

Finally, take the behind-the-scenes winery tour and also watch a film presentation.  Further, enjoy a wine flight of estate wines.  Determine your favourite wine to accompany your meal, as you sit down to the delicious 2-course lunch with plenty of wine servings.  You can purchase souvenirs or bottles of your favourite wines to take home at the gift shop.

6. Half-day Pinnacles Sunset Tour

Spend an evening amidst the majestic Pinnacles Desert when the evening sunlight plays its magic on the beautiful limestone projections!  The Pinnacles is located in the Nambung National Park.  Utilize this magnificent backdrop for your memorable photo-shoots.  Experience an amazing sunset as the setting sun makes way for a myriad of stars to come alive.   

For more information on the Pinnacles Desert, please visit; parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/site/pinnacles-desert-lookout-and-drive

7. Day trip to Kalamunda and Walliston, Perth Hills

Perth Hills is known as a wine region as well as the land of apple orchards.  Perth Hills, situated just 30 minutes away from Perth CBD, offers country-style living.  Kalamunda and Walliston are two neighbouring suburbs within the Perth Hills region, renowned for their picturesque walking trails, bushland lookouts and national parks.

∙ Special Features of Kalamunda:

a. The Bibbulmun Track

The scenic Bibbulmun Track stretches over 1000 km from Kalamunda in Perth Hills to Albany on the south coast.  It is one of the long-distance walk trails that meanders through the heart of the southwestern part of Western Australia.  The great Bibbulmun Track is broken into the following 9 sections to make it easy for the walkers to overcome it.  However, you can go as far as you can!

i. The Darling Range – Covers a distance of 211 km from the starting point of Kalamunda to Dwellingup.

ii. Dwellingup – Covers a distance of 128 km between the towns of Dwellingup and Collie.  

iii. Collie – Covers a distance of 86 km between the town of Collie and Ballingup.  

iv. Ballingup – Covers a distance of 58 km between Ballingup to Donnelly River Village.  

v. Donnelly River – Stretches before you covering a distance of 109 km.  

vi. Pemberton – Covers a distance of 59 km between Pemberton to Northcliffe.  

vii. Northcliffe – Stretches between Northcliffe and Walpole covering a distance of 142 km.  

viii. Walpola – Walpola to Denmark covers a distance of 126 km.  

ix. Denmark/Albany – Stretches before you for the last leg of the track from Denmark to Albany covering 85 km.  

For more information, please visit; trailswa.com.au/trails/bibbulmun-track/need-to-know

b. Mundy Regional Park

The Mundy Regional Park in Perth is known for its extensive network of walk trails.  The trails wind through granite outcrops and abundant spring wildflower displays, offering you stunning panoramic views.

For more information, please visit; parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/mundy

c. Rocky Pool Walk

Pursue the picturesque Rocky Pool Walk that leads you to the gorgeous Rocky Pool.  This is a 5 km loop in Kalamunda National Park which includes part of the Bibbulmun Track.  

d. The Farmers’ Market

On the other hand, the Kalamunda Farmers’ Market does not disappoint the foodies, who can purchase fresh produce direct from farmers and growers of Perth Hills.

∙ Special features of Walliston:

a. S&R Orchard

The S&R Orchard is situated just 30-minute-drive away from the Perth CBD.  It is open to the public during the following two seasons;

• Pick Your Own Summer Fruits (December – March)
• Blossom Season (September)

Visit the S&R Orchard during the annual Blossom Festival in September.  Admire the magical scenery of the orchard in full blossom that will make you almost feel like you are in Japan.  Be spoilt with the delicious food, drink and ice-cream.   Let your family enjoy the tractor ride of the orchard, animal farm and the kids’-favourite bouncy castle.

Dog-friendly Day Trips from Perth

Take your furry pal too for a day-out to de-stress!  Here are a few venues for a dog-friendly day trips from Perth;

8. Day-trip to Noble Falls, Gidegegannup

The easy access and proximity of Noble Falls to Perth makes it a popular day-trip destination.  Noble Falls is a tranquil family picnic location, offering a serene waterfall setting among dense bushland.  Enjoy a great picnic and the surrounding walk trail along the Wooroloo Brook which is pleasant, easily accessible and dog-friendly.  Admire the abundance of spring wildflowers too.

For more information, please visit; www.westernaustralia.com/en/Attraction/Noble_Falls/

• Facilities:

Picnic area with gas barbeques.

9. Day-trip to Aveley Dog Adventure Park

Take your social pooch out to socialize with other dogs and their owners.  Further, get yourself some exercise too while your pets treat themselves to fresh open-air and plenty of space to run about and play.  The Aveley Dog Adventure Park, not far from Swan Valley, is a perfect location for the dogs and their owners to enjoy some exercise or socialization.

For more information, please visit; www.dogs-around-perth.com/dog-adventure-park-aveley.html

∙ Special features:

The park consists of two sections.  The small dog section features shaded areas and seating.  The water fountain can be operated by you or your pet to have a nice fresh drink of water.  The large dog section is larger and features agility and play equipment.  It is also perfect for long ball throws and a good run around.  Further, you can enjoy the walk trail around the lake.

• Facilities:
  • Fenced dog exercise area
  • Water fountains
  • Dog bubbler
  • Small dog section
  • Large dog section
  • Picnic tables
  • Agility equipment
  • BBQ

All Day Trips from Perth Western Australia 2019

WA is Australia’s largest state, covering well over 2.5 million square kilometers (1.5 million square miles). Within this vast expanse lies unbelievable natural wonder, friendly wildlife and rolling hills blanketed in vines. Many of these beautiful destinations lie just hours away from the capital of Perth.

Perth To The Pinnacles Day Trip

The magnificent limestone formations known as the Pinnacles are near Cervantes, 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of Perth in W. A crayfishing town, Cervantes is the gateway to Nambung National Park, which contains the Pinnacles Loop – a four-kilometer (2.5-mile) road that can be driven or walked in about an hour. The Pinnacles Desert contains thousands of striking limestone pillars set against shifting golden sands. 

Bonus

You might also see wild emus stalking among the spires. The park can be visited all year round, but there’s a bonus in spring when the wildflowers and wattles are in bloom. Visit at dawn to see the shadows cast by the unusual formations, or experience the eerie landscape at sunset, when the colors change with the moving sun. 

Perth to Avon Valley One Day Tour

The vast Avon valley, a one to two-hour drive from Perth, covers seven localities, from Beverley in the south to New Norcia in the north. Potter around quaint townships such as York, roam around in spring to see pretty wildflowers, delve into pioneer history and drive among rolling hills. To see the beautiful valley from above, take a ride with Windward Baloon Adventures, based in Northam. Arrive hungry in the benedictine community of New Norcia and sample artisan treats such as nut cake and bread baked in the monastery’s century-old wood-fired oven. Quench your thirst with Abbey Ale, aged in the cellars beneath the monastery. If you have extra time, consider driving the Public Silo Trail to see intricate large-scale murals painted on towering grain silos.

Perth Busselton One Day Tour

The focal point at Busselton, is the Busselton Jetty just over 200 kilometers (138 miles) south of Perth. Everything revolves around the 1.8-kilometer (1.1-mile) long jetty. It’s the world’s longest wooden pier. Stroll along the jetty or take the cute, red, 50-seat train to the end, where there’s an underwater observatory, accessed via a spiral stairway. You’ll even find an Australian first here: a dining experience eight meters (26 feet) below the ocean’s surface. As you wander along the jetty, keep an eye for dolphins frolicking in Geographe Bay. From September to early December, migrating whales also use the bay to rest and nurse their young.

Fremantle Day Trip From Perth

(known to locals as ‘Freo’), on Perth’s southern fringes it is a vibrant waterfront city with great beers, alfresco food, and intriguing history. You can enjoy the craft brews on tap at the landmark heritage pub-brewery, The sail & Anchor, located along a section of South Terrace known as the Cappuccino Strip, or stop into Fremantle’s local brewery, Little creatures.  Nearby is the Fremantle Markets, open Friday to Sunday. At Fremantle Prison YHA, bunk down for the night in a former prison cell or in one of the Victorian-style guard’s cottages.

Perth To Rockingham and Penguin Islands Tours

Less than a one-hour drive south of Perth lies Rockingham, known not only for its beauty but it’s incredible wild dolphin encounters. Every year from early September to early June, pods of dolphins come to play in the ocean bordering Rockingham, and you can join them in the water with Rockingham Wild Encounters. Board the boat in Rockingham before setting out into the clear waters in search of dolphins. After a group of dolphins are found slip on your wetsuit and climb into the water in small groups. You can also visit the nearby Penguin Island for a chance to spot wild penguins. After your wildlife experiences, continue your journey through Western Australia’s stunning southwest corner or drive back to Perth.

Swan Valley One Day Trip

The Swan Valley, a 25-minute drive north-east from the centre of Perth, is Western Australia’s oldest winemaking region. Visit the Swan valley wineries, renowned for world-class chenin blanc, verdelho, shiraz and petit verdot varieties that grow in a reliably warm and dry climate. Lancester and Sandalford Wines are Swan Valley institutions, while boutique wineries like Uglyy Duckling are also worth a taste. The valley is also home to microbreweries that produce beer, cider and ginger beer, and distilleries bottling everything from rum to pavlova-flavoured vodka. Take a day tour to experience the impeccable wine and spirits chocolate, cheese, and beer. You can visit Caversham Wildlife Park to meet some of Australia’s most adorable animals including kangaroos, wombats, koalas, and echidnas before returning to Perth.

Rottenest Island Day Trip

Take a 90 minute ferry ride from Perth, to Rottenest Island famous for its population of quokkas – small, furry macropods known for their adorable smiles. Head over on a day trip and cycle around the island, or spend the night there for the best chance of seeing the quokkas emerge mid to late afternoon to forage (there are free guided walks). You can also find beautiful beaches and bays on this island; bring along a snorkel to explore straight from the sand. Rottnest offers a range of accommodation. Sleep (almost) under the stars in the luxury eco-tents offered by Discovery Parks.

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